How Sven-Goran Eriksson masterminded England's qualification for the 2002 World Cup
When Sven-Goran Eriksson first took charge of England, his appointment was met with hope and trepidation.
After all, the Swede was the first non-English manager of the national team but had a proven track record in Italy and Portugal. However, he was taking over a talented England team that were bereft of confidence, lacking the ability to turn their quality into trophies.
While Eriksson was ultimately unable to provide any silverware for England, his arrival at the beginning of 2001 did spark something of a revival for the Three Lions at first. With qualification for the 2002 World Cup in jeopardy after just two group matches, Eriksson masterminded a remarkable England comeback.
Here is how Eriksson helped England qualify for the 2002 World Cup.
When Eriksson arrived as England boss, the Three Lions had just one point from their opening two 2002 World Cup qualifiers. A single Didi Hamann goal saw Germany leave the old Wembley Stadium with a victory, while a goalless and drab draw with Finland had left England's qualification in jeopardy.
In Eriksson's second game in charge of England — the first being a 3-0 friendly victory against Spain — the Swede welcomed Finland to Anfield. It proved a nightmare start to his first competitive match in charge, Aki Riihilahti putting the visitors ahead from a first-half corner.
Fortunately, Michael Owen was on hand to deliver a delightful left-footed equaliser in front of the Anfield Road Stand, with David Beckham grabbing his first of many in qualifying shortly after the break, thrashing a fierce strike beyond Antti Niemi.
For Eriksson and England, it proved a key turning point in their bid to qualify for the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan.
As England searched for a third straight
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